Greetings!
These stories celebrate all of the great people involved with Bello Machre - the folks we serve, the extraordinary employees, and all of the wonderful volunteers and supporters who make Bello Machre special. Get involved today - Join the fun - Share your stories and comments on Facebook!
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13 Year Old Teaches Life Lessons
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Carson's generosity.
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What did you want for your 13th birthday? A soccer ball, a Lego set, the newest video game? For Carson's 13th birthday he decided that he really did not need anything, but had a plan to help others.
With the holiday season just around the corner, this young man decided he was going to ask his friends attending his birthday party to bring an unwrapped toy or game to be donated to Bello Machre.
Carson, a 7th grader at Murray Hill Middle School, has a strong connection to Bello Machre. His Uncle Neil has lived in one of Bello Machre's homes for over 25 years. Even though he knew his uncle would have gifts to open this Christmas, he wanted to make sure others had presents as well.  | |
(L to R) Diane Guthrie, Carson, and Chuck Collier.
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His grandmother, Diane Guthrie, commented "I am so proud of my grandson. He is an awesome young man that never fails to bring a smile to my face and to everyone he meets. I'm glad he can share his giving spirit with his friends and teach an important life lesson along the way."
Carson had 18 friends attend his birthday party and each one of them brought a toy or gift card to donate. Carson then made sure he used his gift cards to go out and buy additional gifts to add to the mix. His father, Chuck Collier, stated "Carson is a smart, hardworking young man who is very thoughtful and generous towards others."
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Distinguished Leadership Award
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Laura Neuman, Anne Arundel County Executive, presents Michelle Bathras with the Executive Citation.
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Michelle Bathras, Bello Machre's Vice President & COO, had the distinct honor of receiving the 2013 Disability Awareness Day Award as well as awards from County Executive Laura Neuman, the City of Annapolis, the Annapolis City Council and the Anne Arundel County Council, presented by Councilman Chris Trumbauer.
Michelle reflects, "When you hear from the folks who live in our homes and their family members about how much Bello Machre has changed their lives, it just makes you want to continue to work hard. When you see one of our houses become a home, full of love and warmth, it makes you smile."
Hard work, love, warmth, and smiling are second nature to Michelle. In every role she has taken on in her nearly thirty years of service to Bello Machre, Michelle offers her all and the result is compassionate excellence. Whether in her original Bello Machre position as an Administrative Assistant, a later experience as what is now called a Family Living Director, or in her current role as Chief Financial Officer, Michelle focuses on ensuring quality. | |
Michelle is joined by Dr. Robert Ireland, President & CEO, whom she credits with being her mentor as well as a source of unending support.
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In Michelle's words, "it takes a really strong team to make that happen. Bello Machre has to have one of the best. They work hard. They're passionate. They're very committed to our mission." As she reflected at the award ceremony, Michelle said, "As I stand here today, I ask all of our Bello Machre team to celebrate with me in our success in making a difference."
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Community Heroes
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Keith (l) with Chief George Smith.
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Since Keith was a young boy his dream was to become a fireman. There is not a fire call or ambulance related rescue at the Rivera Beach Volunteer Fire Company that Keith does not know about.
Keith was born with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. He lived with his mom and dad in Rivera Beach when he was young. After his dad passed away, Keith went to live with his grandmother. Due to an unstable home life, Keith joined the Bello Machre family this past June.
At the age of 13, Keith would walk to the local firehouse and peak in the windows to get a glimpse of the hustle and bustle that he wanted so much to be a part of. It was no surprise that the firemen greeted Keith with open arms and asked him to join the Rivera Beach Firefighter Cadet Program. This program welcomes young men and women who are interested in fire service. After graduating from the program, Keith has held the Sargent of Arms position and is still involved with each and every new class. He loves helping with the program and telling others what he has learned over the years.
Keith's friends at the firehouse are an important part of his life. Chief George Smith reflects, "Keith has always been a fixture here... and I've been here for 16 years. He's everyone's little brother - he's family. Personally, I hear from Keith everyday. If he's not at the firehouse, he hits me up on Facebook wanting to know what's going on. Keith plays an important role in our family. He's always happy. Even if the mood in the house is dull; he cheers everyone up. He's treated with respect like every other person who walks through the doors. Having him at our house is good for the fire company and good for Keith."
Keith attends all the charity events at the firehouse. From Friday night bingo to the Community Open House - Keith is always helping wherever he is needed. But, he especially likes helping with the chores like racking the hose and washing the trucks.
Bello Machre helps Keith to live life to its fullest by supporting his desire to continue these important friendships. The Rivera Beach Volunteer Fire Company members are truly community leaders, mentors, and friends welcoming Keith into their unique and special family.
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Young Heroes
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(L to R) Jaden, Chelsea, and Gabrielle serve as great role models for their peers.
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Fifth grader Chelsea Coleman had a school project to write about who her young heroes were. Chelsea decided to find heroes right here at Bello Machre. She selected 12-year-old Jaden and her sister, 9-year-old Gabrielle Yanovitz. Jaden and Gabrielle have been Bello Machre volunteers since 2010. Chelsea was touched when she heard that the two sisters spent their spare time supporting the people that Bello Machre serves.
Recently, in a state essay contest sponsored by Senator Bryan Simonaire to honor Young Heroes in our community, Chelsea's essay was chosen as the best overall for Glendale Elementary School!
My heroes are Jaden and Gabrielle Yanovitz. They volunteer at an organization called Bello Machre. Bello Machre supports adults with developmental disabilities in homes throughout Anne Arundel County.
In addition to the wonderful staff that works with these people to provide loving care, Jaden and Gabrielle go to the homes and spend quality time with the individuals. They do yard work, play games, and do crafts to make the individuals happy. They are working on crafts such as, a mural with one of the homes. They are also getting ready for an art show to display another individual's art work.
Jaden and Gabrielle have created friendships with the individuals living at Bello Machre. I know from my experience growing up around Bello Machre individuals how much it means to them having people that care, love, and know them as regular people. I feel I know some of the individuals better than my own friends.
If everyone could spend time with people that have disabilities they too would understand that they are regular and great people that deserve respect in their everyday life. People like Jaden and Gabrielle open doors for people with disabilities to be accepted by their community. Anyone who takes their time to make other people's lives great are my heroes too. These people are my heroes. Who are your heroes?
Bello Machre is so proud and honored to have these young leaders as a part of our unique family. Congratulations!
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A Generous Community Partner -
The PNC Foundation
Bello Machre was recently presented with a $10,000 grant from the PNC Foundation to help provide loving care and support for emergency services to adults in one of our new fully accessible homes. | |
(L to R) Paul Erbes with William Backstrom.
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Paul Erbes, Chief Development Officer at Bello Machre, comments, "This grant represents an ideal partnership. Bello Machre is deeply rooted in providing services within the community setting and making a positive impact on the local community is a high priority for PNC."
"This is another great opportunity to support an organization so meaningful to the community," said William Backstrom, vice president and territory manager for PNC Bank. "The work Bello Machre is doing will help individuals with developmental disabilities live a productive life in the community where they reside."
The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through Grow Up Great, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a $350 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.
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Five New Members Have Joined
Our Heritage Family
Five families have recently become new members of the Bello Machre Heritage Society. The Heritage Society is a group of supporters who are leaving a legacy through an estate gift that will impact Bello Machre for many years to come.
Lois Blackburn, Wally and Teresa Ciepiela, Bill Schiren, Lorraine Varacalle, and Paul Erbes each found a different way to leave a lasting gift. How you ask did they join this unique society in so many different ways?
- One made a donation in the form of a charitable gift annuity that provides the donor with income for life.
- One has named Bello Machre in their will.
- One has an extensive estate plan that incorporates Bello Machre as the recipient of part of the estate proceeds.
- One supporter has identified Bello Machre as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy.
- One has named our organization as a beneficiary on a percentage of their retirement plan.
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Lorraine Varacalle.
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Lorraine Varacalle, wanted to do something special for her upcoming 75th birthday. She reflected, "The biggest gift that I will ever receive is to know my daughter, Melissa, is safe and secure for the rest of her life. For this precious gift that I receive everyday, I wanted to say thank you to Bello Machre with a charitable gift annuity. They have actually given me a gift of a lifetime."
Bill Schiren who recently spoke with Paul Erbes, Chief Development Officer for Bello Machre, described how a life insurance policy is part of his plan for his son, Gary, who resides with Bello Machre. "Gary was not expected to live past 5 years old," says Bill. "Now he is 42. Bello Machre has been a big part of his life and a big part of the reason for his longevity." The policy will cover burial costs for his son with the balance going to Bello Machre to support their mission of providing loving care to others.
Leaving a legacy will have a long-term impact on our ability to serve people with disabilities and their families for generations to come. In addition, leaving a legacy through an estate gift could have major tax benefits for your heirs. To learn more about the Heritage Society or to discuss easy legacy options, contact Tracy Lynott or Paul Erbes.
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Home Improvement Projects
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Co-Founders of Skyline Technology Solutions, Brian and Janice Holsonbake (Center) were presented with a citation from the Governor's Office of Volunteerism. Tracy Lynott (L) and Evette Watson (R) with Bello Machre were also in attendance.
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E very now and then, some of our homes need a little TLC, and that's just what they got from the employees of the Knowtion Group, a division of Skyline Technology Solutions. Recently, this amazing company was presented with a citation from the Governor's Office of Volunteerism to acknowledge their unwavering volunteer work.
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Members of the Knowtion Group.
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The Skyline group also helped out at another home Bello Machre serves through support services. Mrs. Kirby, an elderly single mother who is caring for her daughter, was in dire need of repairs for her deck. The small deck was built to help her daughter, who is wheelchair bound, get into the home. "This is such a blessing," Mrs. Kirby shared, shaking her head in disbelief. "We are so touched that volunteers from Skyline Technology Solutions came out here to do this for us."
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Rick Fairhurst, who organized the volunteers, helps sweep the deck.
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For Knowtion Group employee, Rick Fairhurst, organizing these projects was a touching experience. "Knowtion Group employees feel very passionate about impacting the community in a positive way. Our company culture promotes servant leadership, not only as a way of doing business, but as a way of life." All in all, the more than a dozen volunteers spent 90 hours during their work day to complete these projects.
Bob Estabrook, Director of Human Resources, summarizes the impact of service, "It's the little things that make the most difference. It's not the completion of a big project, but the relationships and love that develop out of the projects."
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Do you want to make a difference in someone's life?
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Did you know, every time you search the Internet you could make a donation to Bello Machre? And, it wouldn't cost you a thing? Even your online shopping could donate up to 30% back to an organization you support through GoodShop. With the holidays just around the corner, what better time than now, to sign up for GoodSearch and start saving on all your online shopping. GoodShop can save you a pretty penny every time you shop by providing you all the latest coupons and then providing your favorite charity a donation based on your purchase.
Now through December 13th, GoodShop is running a special promotion; every purchase earns donations plus enters Bello Machre for a daily draw of $200. Shop at over 4,000 partner stores, like Amazon, Macy's, Target, and Staples and GoodShop will donate up to 20% of your purchase price to Bello Machre, at no cost to you! The more you shop, the more chances Bello Machre has! GoodSearch.com is a website which makes raising money for Bello Machre incredibly easy! It's a Yahoo!-powered search engine which donates a penny per search to your favorite nonprofit. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up! Make Bello Machre (Glen Burnie - MD) your favorite nonprofit by changing GoodSearch to your homepage. Start making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities today! If you're going to shop for the holidays, why not make every purchase give back?
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Bello Machre, founded in 1972, means Home of My Heart in Gaelic. It is a non-profit organization in Anne Arundel Country, Maryland that provides homes and support to children, teens, adults, and seniors with developmental disabilities. Its mission is to enrich the lives of those served through loving care, guidance, and opportunity so that they can live life to its fullest. Many of the people served live in its 54 community homes located throughout Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Bello Machre also provides help and support to hundreds of children and adults in their own homes. The Ray of Hope Program offers assistance with expenses such as specialized summer camp, physical therapy, and adaptive equipment. Trained and caring staff also provides residential respite care during family hospitalizations, emergencies, and vacations - 24-hours a day - seven days a week. Bello Machre is there to help with whatever is needed, empowering people with developmental disabilities to live life to its fullest. Bello Machre - enriching lives heart by heart - will your heart be next? Make a difference today!
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SAVE THE DATE!
June 14, 2014
Every Step Counts
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Our Mission
Bello Machre enriches the lives of people with developmental disabilities through loving care, guidance, and opportunity so that they can live life to its fullest.
Please pass this email to a friend and spread the great news of Bello Machre and its important mission.
Come Visit Us
7765 Freetown Road
Glen Burnie, MD 21060
Contact Us Today: [email protected]
(P) 443.702.3000 (F) 410.360.5049
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Matching Gifts
Several companies offer matching gift programs for employees to contribute to charitable organizations. Most programs match the contributions amount, some may even double or triple the amount you choose to contribute.
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